Abstract. A symmetry-based semimicroscopic framework is presented,
which enables us to find the exotic shapes of light nuclei as well as to relate them to cluster configurations and reaction channels.
The connection
is realised via the shell model in terms of the multichannel dynamical symmetry. This symmetry
can predict a complete high-lying cluster spectrum, based on the description of the low-lying quartet
(shell) spectrum. The relation to the
symmetry-adapted
no-core shell model, as well as to the reaction studies is discussed.